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Journey information
Overview: Melbourne to Cairns flight
AustraliaAustralia
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 1434 miles (2309 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€65) |
Flights per day 9 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 3h 20m |
Cheapest month to travel September |
First flight 05:55 |
Last flight 07:20 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Melbourne to Cairns start from as low as $79 (€65) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $87 (€71) depending on the train type and class.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Melbourne to Cairns
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Melbourne to Cairns among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €65, and a train costs an average of €3075.
Distance: 1434 miles (2309 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€71 Average price Cheapest | €3075 Average price | €380 Average price |
6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 81h 5m Average total duration 80h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 70h 0m Average total duration 69h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Melbourne to Cairns by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Airlines: Jetstar Airways from Melbourne to CairnsFind the best flights between Melbourne to Cairns with Omio's travel partners Jetstar Airways from $79 (€65). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
Jetstar Airways
About
Jetstar Airways is an Australian low-cost airline headquartered in Melbourne and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group. Established in 2003, it began domestic passenger services in May 2004 and expanded to international services in December 2005. Jetstar operates an extensive domestic and international network, serving over 75 destinations with more than 4,000 flights a week. The airline utilizes a fleet primarily consisting of Airbus A320 family aircraft and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Jetstar is part of Qantas' two-brand strategy, positioning itself in the low-cost market while Qantas Airways focuses on the premium full-service market. The Jetstar Group also includes joint ventures like Jetstar Asia in Singapore and Jetstar Japan.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Jetstar Airways frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag (7kg) for Starter fares
Additional luggage
Up to 40kg additional checked baggage can be purchased
Cancellation Policy
Starter fares are non-refundable. FareCredit available for cancellations made within 24 hours of departure on higher fare types
Pregnant on board
Pregnant passengers can travel up to the end of the 32nd week. For multiple pregnancies, travel is permitted until the end of the 28th week. Medical clearance required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied on direct flights only. Service must be booked in advance and fees apply
Amenities on board the airplane
Food sold onboard
Accessibility
Jetstar provides assistance for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and special seating arrangements
Pets
Pets are not allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage except for service animals
Entertaiment on board
FAQs: Melbourne to Cairns Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Melbourne to Cairns by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairns, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns including taking a train or bus.
Since neither Melbourne (MEL) nor Cairns are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Australia and Australia. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The best events to attend in Cairns include:
- Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous art and culture featuring exhibitions, performances, and workshops
- Cairns Festival, an annual event showcasing local talent through music, art, and food over ten days
- Great Barrier Reef Festival, a community celebration highlighting the beauty of the reef with activities, entertainment, and environmental awareness.
The best holidays to experience in Cairns include:
- Easter, mild weather and vibrant local festivities
- Anzac Day, commemorative events and a strong sense of community
- School Holidays (June-July), ideal for family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures.
The best seasons to visit Cairns are Winter or Spring. The best weather to explore Cairns is during June-November.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e. G. 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs).
Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
popular airports
Popular airports from Melbourne to Cairns
Melbourne
Cairns
The major airport for departures in Melbourne is Melbourne. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Melbourne for your trip from Melbourne to Cairns.
Amenities at airport
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Shower
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Car Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
6 km
Car connection
Tullamarine Freeway, Exit M2Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
- Shops available in terminal 2, including duty-free and fashion stores.
Parking
- Parking available at terminal Car Parks, approximately 3€ (AUD 5) per hour.
Dining
- Various restaurants in terminal 2, including Asian and Italian cuisines.
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available throughout the airport.
Hotel
- Hotels within walking distance, including ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport.
Shower
- Showers available in terminal 2, free of charge.
Lounge
- Lounges available in terminal 2, including Qantas and Virgin Australia lounges.
Lost and Found Office
- Lost and Found located in terminal 2, near the check-in area.
Car Rental
- Car rental services available in terminal 1, including Avis and Hertz.
Public transit options for Melbourne
- SkyBus, Melbourne City Express, 30 minutes to Southern Cross Station
The major airport for arrivals in Cairns is Cairns. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cairns for your journey to Cairns from Melbourne.
Amenities at airport
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeCar Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
5 kmCar connection
Captain Cook Hwy, Sheridan St exitWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
- Shops are available, including duty-free and souvenir shops in the intertiol terminal.
Parking
- Parking available, approximately 1.9€ ($2) per hour.
Dining
- Restaurants are located in both domestic and intertiol terminals, offering options like fast food and cafes.
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available throughout the airport, including accessible facilities.
Hotel
- Hotels such as the Cairns Airport Hotel within walking distance.
Shower
- Showers are available in the intertiol terminal; usage may be free or require a small fee.
Lounge
- Lounges available, including the Qantas Club and Virgin Australia Lounge.
Lost and Found Office
- Lost and Found located at the airport information desk in the terminal.
Car Rental
- Car rental services are available from major providers like Avis, Hertz, and Budget.
Public transit options for Cairns
- Bus line 110, Cairns Airport stop, 7 km
Most popular flights from Melbourne
Most popular flights to and from Cairns and Melbourne
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